DJ’s are a big influence on the music industry all over Africa. Nigerians are party people that are one reason why DJs will never be neglected, we appreciate the role DJ’s play in our lives lol. DJs are extremely important in the music industry, given that they directly play music for people and usually interact directly with the audience on a more regular basis than the musicians. These Disc Jockeys also clearly understand the music taste of the fans, given their direct and regular interaction. They are very vital in introducing new music to the public. Any musician that really wants to make it in the music industry has to build a good relationship with really good DJ’s because they basically always have their ear to the street. With that being said here is a list of our 10 favourite DJ’s in Africa based on their achievements in the past year –
- DJ Spinall – Sodamola Oluseye Desmond is a multiple award-winning DJ from Nigeria. He is popularly known as DJ SPINALL. He is known for his unique mixes and distinctive style, his style of play has been tagged by many as ‘fearless’ as a result of his ability to bring all kinds of music in one playlist, these differentiated him out from the lots and won him several awards. DJ Spinall has released over 40 Mixtapes, including, A Journey with the Legend Jay Z, The Trinity Mix, 30Minutes To Get Funky, Headliners Party Mix, TheCAP House Mix and recently Afro Melody mix and Best Of Both Worlds – A Blend Of Nigerian & South African music. He recently released his album titled “IYANU”, which is by far one of his best albums yet. The dynamic DJ does not give you a chance to forget his name.
2.DJ Ecool- Ebianga Ikpeme popularly known as Dj Ecool is the official Dj for Davido’s Music Label DMW (Davido Music Worldwide). He a a Dj, Music Producer and Music artist. The young energetic DJ has released a lot of dope mixtapes feauring a lot of top Nigerian artistes and international artistes. He is also a music artiste and he released a viral track featuring Davido titled ADA in 2017, the music was one of the top streamed Nigerian music in 2017 with more than 2million views on youtube in less than 1 months. He is super talented, has a fun spirit and a great dancer. He was Nominated for Best World DJ at the 2011 Nigerian Entertainment Awards. He has the unique ability to vibe with the crowd and get them moving, his dancing skills is a plus.
- Black coffee – Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, better known by his stage name Black Coffee, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer and songwriter. DJ Black Coffee is, without doubt, one of the most prominent electronic music producers in Africa. He is one of the most talented and motivated DJ’s in the industry, he is a household name in the South African DJ scene, firing up floors with his tribally infectious, vocal-laced beats. He has performed globally at locations such as Southport Weekender, Panorama Bar, Circo Loco, Boiler Room. Black Coffee is the first South African to win the awards for the best international act at the BET awards 2016.
4.DJ Maphorisa – Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe popularly known by his stage name DJ Maphorisa, is a South African record producer and Dj who can sometimes feature vocals in songs. He is a record producer with a blend of house music and Afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several local and international notable artists including Wizkid, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro Era Istrefi, among others. We have seen that there’s no popular genre of music the South African producer DJ Maphorisa can’t produce, he has blessed us with hits like—”Midnight Starring” and “Soweto Baby,” among others. He also produced songs like In my bed by wizkid, Particular featuring Major Lazer, Nasty C, Ice Prince, Jidenna and Patoranking.
- DJ Shimza- Ashley Raphala popularly known as DJ Shimza, he has made the transition from aspirant industry young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene at almost breakneck speed. he is unquestionably one of South Africa’s brightest talents. He has been nicknamed the “Effect Master’ and ’Vinyl Assassin’ by many adoring fans, Shimza’s playing style is infectious and creative with dance floors left speechless by how deftly Shimza punctuates his sets with complicated queuing and looping as he weaves together his signature “Afro-tech’ sound.
- DJ Big N – Nonso Temisan Ajufo popularly known as DJ Big N is widely known as one of Nigeria’s most respected and recognized DJ’s. He is an integral part of Mavin Records, DJ Big N has supported several of the label’s top-billed acts, including supporting Tiwa Savage on her first American tour. He has released several Mavin themed mixtapes, including the “Mavin All Stars” mixtape, the ‘Surulere Mixtape Volume 1’, and the “ENERGY Mixtape”, among others. This energetic DJ is a master of Hip-hop, Rap, R&B, Afrobeat.
DJ Big N who recently obtains his Msc in the UK is currently the Official DJ for VODKA. He is currently enjoying massive airplay for his Song “My Dear” ft. Donjazzy & Kiss Daniel. DJ Big N is Mavin Records Official DJ.
- DJ Vyrusky – Kofi Amoako popularly known as DJ Vyrusky is an award-winning Ghanaian disc jockey, he was the Commercial Media Manager at EchoHouse, before he becoming a full-time DJ on Starr Drive in 2014. He is currently the 2017 Ghana DJ Awards Best DJ of the Year and Best DJ from the Ghana Music Honors. By 2013, DJ Vyrusky had started making waves outside campus and was the resident DJ at Club 45 now Gold Coast Restaurant. At Club 45, he won the award for Discovery of the Year in the maiden Ghana DJ Awards 2014. Late 2015, he became the official DJ for MzVee and travelled with her across the country. In the same period, he won the Event DJ of the Year at the Ghana DJ Awards. He was also picked as the artist DJ for Shatta Wale in early 2016 and toured with the artiste on his UK Tour. He also won Radio Dj Of The Year at Radio and Television Awards in 2018.
- DJ Andy Skillz- Andrew Mumanya popularly known as DJ Andy Skillz is a popular Uganda DJ who is known for working magic on the Decks everytime he touches them. This DJ has the ability to keep crowds by his capacity to blend and mix all genres of music. He has taken over several European, Indian and Cooperate parties that usually come with massive crowds that later become his loyal fans. He has had several successful mixtapes and a lot of artists have benefitted from him. He is one DJ that does not need to market himself because his music markets him.
- DJ Mensah- Michael Mensah Ayenu, better known as DJ Mensah, is a Ghanaian DJ, Events Promoter and Entrepreneur. In 2013, he won the Artist DJ of the year. He was also nominated for the Best Artist DJ at the Global DJ Awards. He won Best Ghana DJ at the 2017 edition of the Ghana Entertainment Awards USA. He is the official DJ for 15 times Ghana Music Awards winner and BET Awards winner Sarkodie. He is popularly known as the “untouchable DJ”. He has been recognized internationally for his amazing ability to mix what the audience can actually vibe to anytime anywhere.
- DJ Creme De La Creme – George Njuguna popularly known as DJ Creme DelaCreme, is a Kenyan DJ who started his DJ career professionally in the year 2003, since then he has been breaking grounds in terms of entertainment. He does not just entertain, but he is also into fashion as he the CEO of Epic Nation Clothing. His awards and Nominees include; Kenya-AFRIMMA 2017 NOMINEE, CATEGORIES, and Best Dj Africa.